Natalie Alyn Lind’s ‘Most Intimidating’ “Dutton Ranch” Scene Was with ‘Pro Joint Roller’ Annette Bening (Exclusive)

Natalie Alyn Lind has opened up about her experience working alongside the esteemed Annette Bening in the new spinoff series “Dutton Ranch,” connected to the popular Western drama “Yellowstone.” The show features an engaging dynamic between a grandmother and granddaughter, with Bening portraying the matriarch, Beulah, and Lind playing her granddaughter, Oreana.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Lind expressed her admiration for Bening, describing her as “cool” and illustrating the unique challenges that came with filming certain scenes together. One significant moment involved a scene where Lind had to roll a joint, a task with which she had no prior experience. “That was probably the most intimidating scene that I had in this entire show. Annette Bening is a pro joint roller, and I’d never done it once in my life,” Lind admitted.

Leading up to the shoot, the 26-year-old actress took it upon herself to practice at home. Arriving on set, she was met with Bening’s effortless execution, “She does it in three seconds.” Lind recounted the experience of shooting the scene, which involved prop weed that created an overwhelming amount of smoke. “There’d be so many times where I would take a hit of it, and it would be a little bit too much in my throat,” she recalled, adding that the whole experience was surreal and enriching.

Lind further praised Bening, stating, “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I feel because she’s such an incredible actor, but she’s just the kindest person of all time.” She described Bening’s presence on set as inspiring, calling her “badass” and highlighting the rapport they built through their roles.

The relationship between Beulah and Oreana on screen is notably complex. Lind shared insights into her character’s background, revealing that Oreana grew up without a mother and views Beulah as a crucial parental figure. Conversely, Oreana’s father, Rob-Will, played by Jai Courtney, is more of a friend than a provider. “He has really dropped the ball and not been there for her as a father, and I think that there’s so much pain within that,” Lind explained.

The actress characterised Oreana’s bond with her father as toxic, remarking how the character yearns for a sense of unconditional love, a fundamental need that remains unmet. This emotional struggle adds depth to her character, showcasing how unfulfilled desires complicate familial relationships.

Lind went on to discuss Oreana’s aspirations regarding the family legacy, stating, “She wants to step up and kind of show her grandma that she has what it takes to have the Jackson legacy name.” This desire influences interactions with other characters, including a developing relationship with Carter, played by Finn Little. The complexities of Oreana’s relationships, particularly with Carter, echo themes of parental influence and emotional voids. “There are definitely daddy issues there,” Lind noted, suggesting that the character’s quest for affection drives her actions.

Looking ahead, Lind teased plot developments in the forthcoming second season, hinting that viewers would gain deeper insights into the troubled histories of Oreana and Rob-Will. “It’s going to be really interesting for people to find out why Rob-Will and Oreana are as messed up as they are,” she remarked.

“Dutton Ranch” streams new episodes every Friday on Paramount+, promising to keep audiences captivated with the unfolding drama. Through her experiences on set with Bening and the intricate storylines explored in the series, Lind continues to forge her path in the film industry, revealing layers of her character that resonate with viewers. The bond between the formidable duo of Beulah and Oreana is set to evolve further in the upcoming season, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the “Yellowstone” universe.